Pulmonary Rehabilitation

What is pulmonary rehab?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program for people with long-term (chronic) lung diseases. It may also be used before or after lung surgery. Pulmonary rehab is used for lung conditions such as:

The pulmonary rehab team

Pulmonary rehab programs may be held at hospitals or other facilities. They may be used as part of a stay in a hospital or rehab facility (inpatient). Or you may come for rehab sessions and go home afterward (outpatient). The pulmonary rehab team may include these skilled healthcare professionals:

Pulmonologist, a lung disease doctor

Thoracic surgeon, specializing in the chest

Physiatrist, a rehabilitation specialist

Internists and family doctors

Nurses

Respiratory therapists

Dietitians or nutritionists

Physical therapists

Occupational therapists

Social workers

Other therapists and counselors

The pulmonary rehab program

These programs are designed to meet the needs of each person. Both you and your family are actively involved.

Pulmonary rehab programs may include:

Help with medicine

Breathing exercises to improve lung function and help you do daily activities